When Team India walked on the field on Day 3 of the ongoing first Test against New Zealand at Green Park in Kanpur, fans witnessed a change as KS Bharat was seen donning the gloves instead of Wriddhiman Saha. As many supporters wondered why Bharat substituted Saha, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) revealed the actual reason.
The BCCI took to their official Twitter handle and mentioned said senior wicketkeeper-batsman Saha had a stiff neck problem, and he was being treated by the medical team, therefore Bharat was picked to keep the wickets. Notably, Rishabh Pant is not available as the Delhi-lad has been given rest from the two-match Test series.
“UPDATE – Wriddhiman Saha has stiffness in his neck. The BCCI medical team is treating him and monitoring his progress. KS Bharat will be keeping wickets in his absence. #INDvNZ @Paytm,” tweeted BCCI.
UPDATE – Wriddhiman Saha has stiffness in his neck. The BCCI medical team is treating him and monitoring his progress. KS Bharat will be keeping wickets in his absence.#INDvNZ @Paytm
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 27, 2021
Meanwhile, on the third day, Bharat didn’t have a good start as in the very second over of the day, the Andhra wicketkeeper dropped a challenging low catch of Tom Latham. However, the 28-year-old proved his skills in the 67th over of New Zealand’s first innings bowled by Ravichandran Ashwin as the keeper grabbed a tremendous catch to get rid of Will Young.
Ashwin bowled a delivery outside off-stump, and Young tried to cut it on the backfoot. The ball took the outside edge, and it kept low, but Bharat was ready this time, and he took it cleanly to dismiss Young for a well-made 89-run knock.
Highest scores for New Zealand in maiden innings in India:
- 131 – Kane Williamson, Ahmedabad 2010/11
- 105 – Bruce Taylor, Kolkata 1964/65
- 104 – John Parker, Mumbai WS 1976/77
- 103 – Jesse Ryder, Ahmedabad 2010/11
- 102 – John Guy, Hyderabad 1955/56
- 89 – Will Young, Kanpur 2021/22*
